Homilies

15th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: AS HE CHOSE US (Eph 1:4)

JESUS HAS CALLED the Twelve and gave them some briefing. These are reminders, checklists, and some important lessons on hospitality and rejection. It must have been a beautiful sight to behold. Imagining Jesus in the middle of the huddle, and there the Twelve surrounding him, attentively listening to the last minute instructions before being sent. In this mission sending, these Twelve must learn the basics of working in the mission. It’s their mission orientation course from the Master himself.

The disciples here are portrayed in a favourable light. They had with them Jesus, teaching and giving pointers on what to do. It would be possible that one or two of the disciples raised a question on what’s in store for them after they are sent. Then Jesus would answer them straight. I would like to think that Jesus would also say to them, “Wait and see.” A bit of a surprise, that it is for the disciples to see for themselves on what’s going to happen. It’s an adventure with Jesus, at the same time an opportunity for the disciples to prove that they are indeed chosen for the task. They are chosen to share Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing. Later would the disciples realize that even if they were in a favourable light to have a direct encounter with the Master, all of them would undergo suffering. 

The call of the Master comes in mysterious ways. The important thing is that the one called and chosen must acknowledge that the call is there and he would answer yes. The prophet Amos, in the first reading was tested by being asked to go to another place to prophesy and spare Bethel from his prophesying. Amos was challenged to defend himself by speaking that it was not of his own accord that he is prophesying but is through God’s call. He was chosen for the job. Paul also in the 2nd reading speaks of himself being appointed and commissioned as apostle. In a way, Paul was called to do such mission. In this reading, both Jews and Gentiles are chosen, predestined and appointed by lot, to join the lot of God.

Being chosen speaks about our baptism as Christians. It makes us adopted children, truly beloved by God. By being chosen, we also belong in the good pleasure of others and have the blessing to be forgiven from transgressions. Being chosen means we also share in the divine realities of wisdom and understanding. Though they are also human qualities, they come as graces from the Almighty. Being chosen has its many privileges. By virtue of our baptism all of us are called and chosen for a mission. Just like the Twelve who were sent by Jesus, we are also sent. Jesus’ vineyard needs laborers who are willing to be sent.

But a question needs to be raised. Do we consider ourselves as chosen people? Many of us would like to say that we are chosen, yet it’s a sad fact that also many people would say that they are not. Many would just like to say that they know what they are called to do but they leave God out of their lives. These are people who at a certain time have known God but have now totally forgotten about Him. Acknowledging that we are chosen means we put God at the center of our lives. Remembering him at all times, saying that he has a special place in our lives.  The Israelites in ancient times would speak of themselves that they are God’s chosen people. Indeed they are. By this acknowledgement of being chosen, for a time a loving relationship ensued. May being chosen serve as a special reminder for us as Jesus chose and sends us daily for our respective missions. Amen.

Sem Marc Louie M. Calo
MSP Seminary, Tagaytay City

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